A man, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, has been charged with the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump following a security breach at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. The incident, which occurred Saturday night, saw shots fired and guests ducking for cover.
Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, appeared in federal court Monday to face charges including attempted assassination and two firearms charges. He did not enter a plea and was ordered detained pending further hearings. Prosecutors have not disclosed a motive.
Investigators are examining writings attributed to Allen, including a message sent minutes before the attack where he referred to himself as a "Friendly Federal Assassin." Authorities believe he may have targeted individuals within the administration. Allen allegedly traveled from California to Washington D.C. and checked into the hotel hosting the event.
Video shows the suspect running past a security barricade as Secret Service agents responded. An officer wearing a bullet-resistant vest was shot but is expected to recover. Allen is reportedly a tutor and amateur video game developer.